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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 27. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by SatinDoll on November 19, 2006, at 18:07:25
My school just dropped their masters program, and I was wondering where it the best schools to go to obtain at least a masters.
2nd question, how long does it take to get a masters in psych, and how long for a phd? So like will I be 80 when I am done? LOL
Posted by Gee on November 19, 2006, at 19:57:32
In reply to Best grad school for psych in the midwest?, posted by SatinDoll on November 19, 2006, at 18:07:25
Check out this months copy of Cosmo, they had a bit of info about sex therapist and the school where they get trained.
Posted by SatinDoll on November 19, 2006, at 20:07:56
In reply to Re: Best grad school for psych in the midwest?, posted by Gee on November 19, 2006, at 19:57:32
Thanks Gee!
I think I even have that copy, but I haven't had a chance to even read it yet. I am not sure about the sex therpist thing, maybe that could be a speciality of a PHD program. But where is a good place for a masters in psych, I guess it what I want to know. I might want to work with kids, so I need a good general masters program that is workable in whatever I deceide to do .
Posted by Lindenblüte on November 22, 2006, at 21:41:17
In reply to Re: Best grad school for psych in the midwest? » Gee, posted by SatinDoll on November 19, 2006, at 20:07:56
Satind,
what kind of degree are you interested in? If you would like to practice psychotherapy, a PsyD is a good degree to get a lot of practical training in terms of dealing with clients, understanding and treating mental illness using psychotherapy.PhD programs in clinical psychology also train you to varying degrees to perform psychotherapy, but you will also be expected to contribute to research on mental illness and treatment approaches. This might lead to a greater focus on theoretical and research applications, and less of a practical emphasis on the art of psychotherapy.
There are also PhD p[rograms in licensed clinical social work. I think these programs emphasize psychotherapy, but also on providing other types of services, so you'd want to find a program that emphasizes the therapeutic approach you feel confident with.
Learn more about the different approaches and philosophies, and about different mentors and professors at different programs. The most important part of a PhD program is to find a match to a mentor or a set of ideals or practical philosophies that a program emphasizes. It's kind of like finding a therapist, actually. Expect interviews and be prepared that admission to clinical psychology PhD programs is very competitive. I don't want you to feel discouraged, though. If you've got the willpower, you can make it happen. It will help if you have an undergraduate degree in psychology, or a biomedical or social science. Otherwise, you may need to demonstrate that you have taken enough courses to show that you've got the prerequisite foundations for graduate school. Me? I didn't really have those courses. It slowed me down a bit, because I didn't know what I wanted to focus my research on when I entered the PhD program. That's probably why most of my cohort has graduated, and why I only started writing the damn dissertation today.
-Li
Posted by SatinDoll on November 24, 2006, at 11:58:59
In reply to Re: Best grad school for psych in the midwest? » SatinDoll, posted by Lindenblüte on November 22, 2006, at 21:41:17
Hi Li!
Some very good advice, thank you. I guess it is too soon to make my decisions on this because I am still discovering myself.
So how long does a typical master program take? I am just wondering since I am so much older, if I wanted to do therapy, that a PHD would take a very long time. I think my T mentioned that you can do therapy even with a Masters, which one would you choice. I remember him saying something about NOT getting it in clinical psy, because it is very limiting. Any other thoughts?
Satinflower
Posted by Lindenblüte on November 24, 2006, at 16:52:39
In reply to Re: Best grad school for psych in the midwest? » Lindenblüte, posted by SatinDoll on November 24, 2006, at 11:58:59
One of my relatives has a Master's in Psychology. She does counselling, mostly group therapy. Anger Management, Grief etc
-Li
I think her program took 2 years after her BA.
Posted by SatinDoll on November 24, 2006, at 18:04:35
In reply to Re: Best grad school for psych in the midwest? » SatinDoll, posted by Lindenblüte on November 24, 2006, at 16:52:39
Li,
Do you think you can do sex therapy with a masters if you are properly trained at one of the special instuitutes?
I also love working with kids, always have, so I will have to think about it, I don't have to deceide now since I have LOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNGGGGGGGGG way to go. LOL
Posted by Jost on November 24, 2006, at 21:02:08
In reply to Re: Best grad school for psych in the midwest? » Lindenblüte, posted by SatinDoll on November 24, 2006, at 18:04:35
To do therapy, if you don't want to get a PhD, you could try an MSW (Master in Social Work). Those programs usually have different tracks, one of which is clinical. Often MSWs start out in institutional or public settings. That's not a requirement; you could have a private practice or work as a therapist in a social work agency. That's usually a two-year program.
PsyD. is more clinical, but takes longer than an MSW. There are probably fewer of those programs than Clincal Psych. It's a little like a PhD with an emphasis on clinical work, as Linden says, rather than research. But you do have to do some sort of dissertation-- just a much more clincally-oriented one.
In a way, I think it makes sense, if your interests allow, to do the Clincal Psych. But as Linden says, you do have to do scholarship with some research contribution-- or something empirical-- which can be rather forced from what I've read of some Clinical Psych dissertations. It is a lot of work, but the degree really puts you in the best position to be a T. There's also Counseling Psychology, which probably is a little less academic than Clincal Psych-- but I'm not sure exactly in what way.
Do you have an advisor in school?
Jost
Posted by SatinDoll on November 24, 2006, at 21:54:48
In reply to Re: Best grad school for psych in the midwest?, posted by Jost on November 24, 2006, at 21:02:08
Hi Jost,
I don't have an advisor yet in Psych, it's in education right now, until I offically change my major. Right now I am just having fun with classes at school, picking what interestes me, most are for any kind of degree this coming session. But I plan on meeting with one before fall of next year. I am half way through my psych credits already! LOL
I guess I need to do some research on all of this. I am already almost 38, and a phd might not be so practical, but it is possible.
Is it true that when they look at your grades for a masters program, they want the GPA of just your psych classes and then a general GPA ? It seems like getting into a decent program is very hard and competive. I just wonder what I can do now, to put myself ahead of the competion besides good grades, I have a 4.0 right now.
Posted by madeline on November 26, 2006, at 9:23:36
In reply to Re: Best grad school for psych in the midwest? » Jost, posted by SatinDoll on November 24, 2006, at 21:54:48
oh please, 38 is a pup. In my Ph.D. program there were people from 25 to 55.
And remember, those years will pass anyway. You might as well put them to good use right?
In my opinion, if you go Ph.D. it doesn't really matter where you go to school, but the quality of the work that you produce to earn your degree.
That, of course, would not be true if you went for clinical psychology as the strength of the program would determine the strength of your degree.
I don't know how it works in psychology, but for most medical science degrees, I would advise going straight for the Ph.D. Most programs do not require a master's thesis prior to the terminal degree. As a result, you get out 2-3 years quicker with a Ph.D., than if you started as a master's student and then went Ph.D.
Posted by SatinDoll on November 26, 2006, at 12:33:59
In reply to Re: Best grad school for psych in the midwest? » SatinDoll, posted by madeline on November 26, 2006, at 9:23:36
So how long do you think it would take to get a Phd in Psych after you completed your undergrad degree?
Also I know you can practice clinical therapy with a masters, but do you have time to do that even part time and work for your Phd at the same time?
I am thinking of the longterm when I want to get divorsed and need a job to live one while going to school.
If I wanted to work with kids as a therapist, I know I can do that with a masters, but would be the advantage of having the Phd? More money? More respect? Can you be sex therapist with only a masters? I guess I have a lot of questions and what I should be doing is STUDYING so I can get a good grade in the classes that I do have! lol
Posted by Jost on November 26, 2006, at 19:23:09
In reply to Re: Best grad school for psych in the midwest?, posted by SatinDoll on November 26, 2006, at 12:33:59
You can work after a certain point in a Psych. PhD program. Certainly used to be able to.
It really does make sense to get a PhD-- more respect, higher pay, probably tend to be able to do more interesting work-- or be more easily considered for it-- make contacts-- etc etc.
Thirty-eight isn't so old-- you know? it might seem that-- way-- until you consider the future-- lots of it... why not be in the best position to do what would satisfy you-- in a way that would satisfy you?
GREs are important, too. I'm not sure about grades.
Jost
Posted by Lindenblüte on November 26, 2006, at 19:35:30
In reply to Re: Best grad school for psych in the midwest?, posted by Jost on November 26, 2006, at 19:23:09
I'm going to advocate PsyD degree for a doctorate in Psychology, if practicing psychotherapy is going to be your focus. These programs have a set of criteria and usually the coursework is really focused on getting you out of school and working as a psychotherapist with as little wasted effort as possible.
I know a couple of PsyD's and they are very skilled therapists, and earn a nice living.
-Li
Posted by SatinDoll on November 26, 2006, at 21:08:38
In reply to Re: Best grad school for psych in the midwest?, posted by Lindenblüte on November 26, 2006, at 19:35:30
Hi Li,
Maybe I should as my T , he is a Phd, his brother is a PsyD and his sister has a masters but I don't know in what psych. I wonder if they have debates on whos is better? LOL I do know my T is the baby of the family.
Thanks for the info! But do you know how long it takes? My T said he got his Phd by age 29, didn't stop, keep going.
Posted by SatinDoll on November 26, 2006, at 21:11:51
In reply to Re: Best grad school for psych in the midwest?, posted by Jost on November 26, 2006, at 19:23:09
Hey thanks Jost! I am glad someone thinks I am not that old. It just feels like it when I am surrounded by all those kids. I probably have 3 years still to go to get my undergrad degree. So it seems like I will be an old lady by the time I am done.
I guess I will have more life experiences as a T my age, than a youngin at 29. LOL
Posted by Lindenblüte on November 26, 2006, at 21:25:49
In reply to Re: Best grad school for psych in the midwest? » Lindenblüte, posted by SatinDoll on November 26, 2006, at 21:08:38
Plan on at least 5 years for a PhD. I'm in my 11th semester... ugh.
-Li
Posted by gardenergirl on November 28, 2006, at 11:17:14
In reply to Re: Best grad school for psych in the midwest? » SatinDoll, posted by Lindenblüte on November 26, 2006, at 21:25:49
Check out your state laws on licensure for psychologists, counselors, social workers, etc. These will tell you what credentials you need in your state to do what type of work.
Also, PsyD programs are usually five to six years of work post baccalaureate. PhD programs can take longer, depending on the type of program and the school. Heavy research oriented schools sometimes take longer to complete.
Here's a good site for info about psych careers and psychology students: http://www.apa.org/students/
Good luck,
gg
Posted by SatinDoll on November 28, 2006, at 17:33:36
In reply to Re: Best grad school for psych in the midwest?, posted by gardenergirl on November 28, 2006, at 11:17:14
Thanks GG for the great link and info! ;)
Posted by gardenergirl on November 29, 2006, at 15:46:37
In reply to Re: Best grad school for psych in the midwest? » gardenergirl, posted by SatinDoll on November 28, 2006, at 17:33:36
Posted by Karen44 on December 9, 2006, at 23:44:32
In reply to Best grad school for psych in the midwest?, posted by SatinDoll on November 19, 2006, at 18:07:25
> My school just dropped their masters program, and I was wondering where it the best schools to go to obtain at least a masters.
>
> 2nd question, how long does it take to get a masters in psych, and how long for a phd? So like will I be 80 when I am done? LOLSatinDoll
There are some good graduates schools in the midwest. I got my master's degree in psychology, clincial emphasis and worked for a number of years with a master's degree from a school in Illinois. I worked in mental health centers in Illinois, Florida, and Kansas and also did evaluations for the Kansas Department of Corrections for a time before going back to graduate school to get a Psy.D. in clincal psychology. After my internship I did a two year postdoctoral fellowship in clinical psychology at the Menninger Clinic where I also worked for a time after I graduated from the Karl Menninger School of Psychology and Mental Health Sciences. Most recently I have been working as a forensic psychologist doing criminal court evaluations.
Do not despair; you will not be 80 when you finish! I had problems with depression between the time I got my master's degree and my doctorate and had both inpatient and outpatient treatment. I am currently struggling with depression again as a result of a number of physical problems that developed last year.
A decent master's program takes two years. If you go directly into a doctoral program, you can complete it in four years including the internship year. If you can do it, I would recommend applying to a doctoral program. And, if you are interested in doing treatment more so than research, then there are some good Psy.D. programs in Chicago where I went.
Because I waited over 10 years to return to school for my doctorate, I pretty much had to do the whole doctoral program minus some of the testing courses and one statistics course. If you were to go to a school with a Psy.D. program and go into the Master's program, you would then be in a position to go on for the Psy.D. if you wanted. Or you could end at the Master's degree and get licensed as a Licensed Professional Counselor. This would allow you to do therapy and to collect insurance. Some LCPC's work in group practices with psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers. It is not as limiting a degree as it once was (Master's degree). If you have other questions about grad school in psychology, I can probably answer them.
Others are right that a Ph.D. program, depending on the program, does less to train someone to be a therapist. The expectation is that one will learn that on the internship and postdoctoral supervision before licensed. I recall at Menninger's supervising doctoral students from Kansas University who were on internship. They knew nothing about psychological testing or about doing therapy. Their program emphaized research.
Karen44
Posted by peddidle on December 14, 2006, at 10:25:30
In reply to Re: Best grad school for psych in the midwest? » gardenergirl, posted by SatinDoll on November 28, 2006, at 17:33:36
I don't mean to jump in and hijack someone's post, but I had a question, and you all seem to have a lot of knowledge about this topic.
I have been seeing my T at my college counseling center for about 2 years, give or take. When I first started seeing her, she had a master's degree and had the title of "predoctoral psychology intern" She was on maternity leave for a few months, so I assume that put her behind a little, because she still had that title last year. Now she has a PsyD and is a "postdoctoral psychology resident". What does this all mean exactly? And how much longer would she have as a "postdoctroal psychology resident"? I guess I'm also asking if she is finished after this year (i.e. will this be my last year with her?). I don't know if this matters, but I think she is in her early 30's (33 or 34).
She actually mentioned this week that she has "another office"....I did a little googling, and I didn't find a website, but I found a yellowpages-type listing that says she works in a practice as a psychotherapist (with a master's) along with a psychologist. I had seen this ad last year, and I just assumed it was an old listing. I called the number after hours, and now I'm pretty sure it's her.
Just to clarify, I'm not questioning her abilities-- she's an amazing therapist-- I'm really just curious about what this all means.
Thanks for any insight you can give me, and sorry again for just jumping in.
Posted by Karen44 on December 24, 2006, at 21:25:59
In reply to Re: Best grad school for psych in the midwest?, posted by peddidle on December 14, 2006, at 10:25:30
A psychologist typically has to complete one year of postdoctoral supervised experience (some do two). The person has to then get licensed which means also taking the national licensing exam. Until finishing the postdoctoral supervised experience and obtaining a license, one with a Master's degree would appropriately not claim any other capacity to practice. You should just ask your therapist about continuing to see her after she is "officially" a psychologist and when that might be.
Karen44
> I don't mean to jump in and hijack someone's post, but I had a question, and you all seem to have a lot of knowledge about this topic.
>
> I have been seeing my T at my college counseling center for about 2 years, give or take. When I first started seeing her, she had a master's degree and had the title of "predoctoral psychology intern" She was on maternity leave for a few months, so I assume that put her behind a little, because she still had that title last year. Now she has a PsyD and is a "postdoctoral psychology resident". What does this all mean exactly? And how much longer would she have as a "postdoctroal psychology resident"? I guess I'm also asking if she is finished after this year (i.e. will this be my last year with her?). I don't know if this matters, but I think she is in her early 30's (33 or 34).
>
> She actually mentioned this week that she has "another office"....I did a little googling, and I didn't find a website, but I found a yellowpages-type listing that says she works in a practice as a psychotherapist (with a master's) along with a psychologist. I had seen this ad last year, and I just assumed it was an old listing. I called the number after hours, and now I'm pretty sure it's her.
>
> Just to clarify, I'm not questioning her abilities-- she's an amazing therapist-- I'm really just curious about what this all means.
>
> Thanks for any insight you can give me, and sorry again for just jumping in.
Posted by CApsychstudent on January 20, 2007, at 17:37:44
In reply to Re: Best grad school for psych in the midwest? » Lindenblüte, posted by SatinDoll on November 26, 2006, at 21:08:38
> Hi Li,
>
> Maybe I should as my T , he is a Phd, his brother is a PsyD and his sister has a masters but I don't know in what psych. I wonder if they have debates on whos is better? LOL I do know my T is the baby of the family.
>
> Thanks for the info! But do you know how long it takes? My T said he got his Phd by age 29, didn't stop, keep going.
Anybody else find it odd that this therapist would tell his client about his sister, brother, aunt, ?etc? Fellow Grad Students?... Ethical Boundaries?
Posted by Llurpsie_Noodle on January 25, 2007, at 15:58:33
In reply to Re: Best grad school for psych in the midwest?, posted by CApsychstudent on January 20, 2007, at 17:37:44
Hi CA Grad Student,
I guess I think it's kind of unusual. I personally find it very useful when my T tells me about other cases that have resolved similar issues that I have. A few times she will tell me about how SHE herself might have a problem and how she has solved it. I guess every T kind of senses where the boundaries are. I guess defining boundaries is always a work in progress. I think that Happyflower's T defines these boundaries too loosely, for my taste.Anyways, welcome to psycho-babble. I've just volunteered to greet newcomers to this board, and this website. I hope you'll explore some of the other boards (in particular the psychology board discusses some of these boundary issues in greater depth).
See you around :)
-Ll
Posted by peddidle on January 28, 2007, at 17:15:29
In reply to Re: Best grad school for psych in the midwest?, posted by CApsychstudent on January 20, 2007, at 17:37:44
> Anybody else find it odd that this therapist would tell his client about his sister, brother, aunt, ?etc? Fellow Grad Students?... Ethical Boundaries?
It's not odd to me. My T tells me little things about herself or her family if it's relevant to the conversation. Sometimes she also tells me funny stories about her kids in order to get the conversation going (at least, that's why I think she does it.)
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